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You’re Invited to Make Connections That Matter

Community members looking for a meaningful way to get involved are invited to Make Connections That Matter at a free, speed dating-style networking event designed to connect attendees with local nonprofit organizations.

The event will take place on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the McKenna Events Center, 801 W. San Antonio Street in New Braunfels. A complimentary takeaway lunch, provided by Café Forty-Six, will be available to all attendees.

Click here to RSVP.

“Every nonprofit has a mission, but they also have opportunities for our neighbors to become part of that mission,” said Dr. Kane Jaggers, SJRC Texas Vice President of Community Enrichment. “Whether you’re looking to volunteer, share your professional skills, serve on a board, or simply learn more about the incredible organizations in our community, this event is a great way to find where you can make the biggest impact.”

Participants will rotate through a series of brief conversations with representatives from local nonprofit organizations, giving them the opportunity to learn about different missions, ask questions, and explore volunteer, board service, and other ways to get involved. The speed networking format allows participants to meet several organizations in a short amount of time and discover opportunities that match their passions.

“Community involvement is at the heart of everything we do. We recently launched a campaign to expand our senior services, and thanks to the incredible support of our volunteers and donors, we’ve already reached 84 percent of our fundraising goal,” said Community Resource and Recreation Center (CRRC) of Canyon Lake Executive Director Tiffany Quiring. “That kind of community support doesn’t happen by accident. It starts with neighbors making intentional connections. We’re excited to have a seat at the table for this event and to share how people can get involved in making a lasting impact.”

The event will also feature a brief presentation on the value of community involvement and the important role volunteers play in creating a stronger, healthier community. Attendees will learn how sharing their time, talents, and experience can make a lasting impact for both the organizations they support and the people those organizations serve.

The event is hosted by the McKenna Foundation, in partnership with the Comal County Leadership Collaborative and Methodist Healthcare Ministries as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen connections between local nonprofits and the community. By bringing organizations and residents together, the event aims to make it easier for the community to discover meaningful ways to get involved.

The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. To reserve a spot, click here.

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Rebecca Creek Christian Ministries to expand childcare initiative

Rebecca Creek Christian Ministries (RCCM) has been awarded a three-year, $150,000 grant from the McKenna Foundation to expand its early childhood education program and increase access to affordable, high-quality childcare for families in far west Comal County.

The grant will support the expansion of RCCM’s on-campus childcare center, addressing the growing need for accessible childcare in the community.

In response to the significant shortage of early childhood options in rural Comal County, RCCM began developing a thoughtful and sustainable plan to fill that gap. Through a one-year-long pilot childcare program and active participation in Early Matters New Braunfels, the organization confirmed strong demand and secured an experienced childcare provider, Inspiring Hearts Day School, to lead the expansion.

“We are thrilled to have Rebecca Creek Christian Ministries actively engaged in Early Matters New Braunfels and a part of its steering committee,” said McKenna CEO Alice Jewell. “Their partnership represents one of the Foundation’s first major steps in advancing our Early Childhood Development Work Plan.”

In May 2026, the McKenna Foundation’s Board of Directors approved a $150,000 grant over three years to advance this initiative.

“Our partnership with the McKenna Foundation has been a tremendous blessing that goes well beyond the financial grants, and we are very grateful for it. This investment will allow us to help many families in our community who desperately need quality, affordable care and early learning for their children as they strive to provide for their families!” said Pastor James Leinneweber, RCCM Founder and Chairman.

According to Leinneweber, the expansion will increase RCCM’s capacity to more than 40 seats for children ages 18 months to five years.

The learning center will also pursue Texas Rising Star certification, the state’s quality rating system for early childhood education programs, ensuring that children receive high-quality care. RCCM will support eligible families in securing scholarships through Texas Workforce Commission Child Care Services and will work to reduce costs to families through strategic public funding and business partnerships.

“Our vision is to ensure that families in our community no longer have to choose between quality childcare and financial stability,” Leinneweber said.

With construction and expansion efforts underway, RCCM looks forward to welcoming more children and families into a high-quality learning environment that supports healthy development, prepares children for success, and strengthens the community by making affordable childcare more accessible.

Building upon Rebecca Creek Baptist Church’s Helping Hands Food Pantry, which was recognized as the San Antonio Food Bank’s Food Pantry of the Year in 2019, RCCM was established as an independent nonprofit to strengthen initiatives such as early childhood education.

Visit www.inspiringheartssa.com to learn more about Inspiring Hearts Day School. For more information on RCCM, please visit www.rccmtx.org.

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McKenna Foundation launches new community resources

The McKenna Foundation has introduced two new community resources designed to make it easier for community members to get involved in the local nonprofit sector.

As part of the Foundation’s You’re Invited Campaign, which encourages the community to listen more deeply, learn more openly, and love more boldly through volunteerism and educational engagement, the Foundation has launched a new Volunteer Portal on Comal Cares and a nonprofit job board on the McKenna website.

The You’re Invited volunteer portal offers a simple way for neighbors to discover opportunities that match their interests. By using the filters such as tutoring, driving and delivery, mental health, or conservation, users can find opportunities that align with what they care about most.

“One of the biggest difficulties right now for our local nonprofits is finding volunteers,” said McKenna CEO Alice Jewell. “That’s a leading reason why we developed this portal, and we hope it becomes an avenue for more community involvement within the local nonprofit sector.”

With more than fifty opportunities already listed on the portal, the platform is designed to make the process of getting involved feel approachable, whether someone is looking for a one-time opportunity or a recurring commitment.

The You’re Invited Volunteer Portal can be found at comalcares.org.

The Foundation has also launched a Nonprofit Job Board, offering another pathway to get involved in the sector. From entry-level roles to leadership positions, the job board provides a centralized place to explore careers that strengthen our community and make a lasting impact.

“The nonprofit job board on McKenna’s website is the result of several discussions with local leadership in the sector,” said Dr. Kane Jaggers, SJRC Texas Vice President of Community Enrichment. “We have worked closely with the McKenna Foundation to bring this online, and we are excited about how it turned out. This will be a great resource for not just the community, but for nonprofits.”

See current nonprofit job listings at mckenna.org/nonprofitjobs.